The Washington Ice Dogs would like to congratulate Ice Dogs Coach Mark Carter and Ice Dogs player Sam Smith on recently completing the Marine Corp Marathon. Coach Mark ran to raise money for the Team to End Aids, while Sam ran to raise money for OAR, Organization for Autism Research. The Ice Dogs family is very proud of both of their efforts.

The Geri Hatricks recently made a $1,000 donation to the Washington Ice Dogs from funds collected at their Annual Senior Hockey Tournament held at the Gardens Ice House in March. This is the fith year that the Geri Hatricks have made to generous donation to Special Hockey Washington Ice Dogs.

Special Hockey washington deeply appriciates the donation and the relationship between the two organizations, says Mike Hickey, President of Special Hockey Washington. We are proud to have so many people who volunteer to work with our programs on the ice, although we also could not be able to run our programs without the generousity of donors, especially the Geri Hatricks Senior Hockey program, Hickey continued.

Special Hockey Washington looks forward to even a better and stronger partnership with the Geri Hatricks in the future. Both organizations are excited about the potential to provide for more Special Needs athletes in the future.

Sam recieves congratulations from one of his many fans after finishing the 2010 Marine Corp Marathon

The Special Hockey Washington Ice Dogs are so proud of Ice Dog player Sam Smith as he completes the 2010 Marine Corp Marathon in a time of 4 hours and 34 minutes.

Sam Smith not only provides inspiration and motivation on the ice, but also has taken his spirit and commitment to others off the ice as well. Sam recently ran the 2010 Marine Corp Marathon in an outstanding time of 4 hours and 34 minutes. After years of training Sam was able to run the marathon and provided inspiration to others on hard work to complete a goal.What makes this even more amazing is Sam ran the marathon to raise funds and awareness for Autism. Sam also spoke at an OAR dinner the night before the marathon where he gave a very motivational speech to all in attendance. Sam has currently risen over $1,200 for OAR or Organization for Autism Research. Sam will continue to raise funds for the organization throughout the year 2010 and into 2011 until next years Marine Corp Marathon. You can donate to Sam's cause by going to: http://www.firstgiving.com/samuelsmith "Sam's accomplishments are an inspiration to us all with the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) as well as his Washington Ice Dogs family" says Mike Hickey President of ASHA."This is just one example of the many achievements of our ASHA athletes, they prove to me everyday how nearly anything can be achieved through the pure joy of the love for whatever it is you are doing on or off the ice" This is what makes all of us involved with ASHA programs to continue to work to provide or programs. Please join us again in congratulating Sam on this great achievement.

The McKinsey Corporation recently hosted their annual Partner’s Conference in Washington DC on March 16th, 2011. As a part of their conference, a few of the Partner’s held a hockey outing at The Gardens Ice House in Laurel Maryland. The outing involved a skills competition and a game hosted by Wolfe Hockey Development. As a part of this outing, the Partner’s who participated have generously donated new hockey sticks and 8 hours of ice time in Wolfe Hockey’s new Laurel Ice Den to the Washington Ice Dogs hockey program.

Zachary Dea was one of five players from the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) who were among a group of 70 children joining President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama along with members of the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals as part of the Let’s Move initiative.

The day started off with a ceremony with President Obama honoring the 2009-2010 Stanley Cup Champion CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS. Following the ceremony, First Lady Michelle Obama, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and USA Hockey Executive Director Dave Ogrean presided over a street hockey workout and clinic on a rink set up on the South Lawn of the White House. The clinic for local youngsters, which was conducted by members of the Blackhawks and Washington Capitals, is part of a new collaboration between Mrs. Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, the NHL and USA Hockey to encourage American children to lead active and healthy lives.

"It was an incredible day for our Special athletes as they were able to experience a day at the White House and participate in a fun and healthy street hockey clinic", said Mike Hickey, President of the American Special Hockey Association. Dave Lucia, Legislative Director of ASHA programs and Head Coach of the Montgomery Cheetahs also accompanied the five players.

The players were invited to represent ASHA as part of the NHL “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative as well as being part of USA Hockey Disabled Section. "Our players love the game of Hockey so much and for them to be able to be showcased at such an event is even more special", continued Hickey. ASHA would like to thank the NHL, USA Hockey and the White House for allowing us to be part of such a great event.

Buffalo NY March 20-22 hosted the annual USA disabled hockey festival for Sled, Special, Standing Amputee, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing hockey. The Washington Ice Dogs Special Hockey A team traveled up north to join the games one month before tentatively traveling to the SHI Heart League tournament in Toronto, Canada.

The Rochester Ice Cats and Michigan Far Flyers A team joined the Ice Dogs in the top special hockey bracket that weekend. Unlike sled, amputee, and hearing impaired hockey, there are no championships in special hockey based on the teams who win the most games, although USA Hockey Disabled section Chairperson JJ O’Connor gave each player on ever team a tournament medal after their last game. Ice Dog player Andrew Rouff received special recognition after the last game being given the game puck by game officials.

Game 1 and 4 against Rochester were a ton of fun for the Ice Dogs scoring goals and playing good defense which gave Rochester a huge challenge, and brought the Ice Dogs joy to a margin of victory that they would find at any other hockey event. The Michigan Far Flyers were more of a friendly match for the Ice Dogs to play against due to limited roughness. In two straight games against Michigan, the fans enjoyed it. Game 2-Ice Dogs 2 Far Flyers 1. The Ice Dogs went ahead early and held a 2-goal advantage for most of the game until the Far Flyers rallied with a goal in the closing minutes. Game 3: Ice Dogs 9, Far Flyers 7.

The game was tied at 7-7 in the closing minutes, and the Ice Dogs never gave up. The Ice Dogs overall performance was spectacular with an impressive 31-13 margin of victory throughout the festival. This was the first time in history that the Ice Dogs finished with a tournament record of 4-0.

Be sure to confirm your travel and reserve your hotel room for more exciting games in Toronto, CA April 16-18.

ASHA organizations got together on Saturday February 14th to play two very special hockey games in honor of "Heroes of Hockey Day" in celebrating USA Hockey "Hockey Weekend Across America".

The Baltimore Saints, Montgomery Cheetahs and NOVA Cool Cats all participated in combined games at the A, B and C level hosted by the Washington Ice Dogs. Slapshot, the mascot of the Washington Capitals, was also on hand to drop the puck to start the first game of the day. Mike Hickey, President of the Washington Ice Dogs and the American Special Hockey Association, said, "These players are the true 'Heroes of Hockey' as they have so many challenges and that all seem to go away while they are on the ice. The players gravitate to the game and the game gives them a social evironment where they are just regular hockey players playing the game they love."

The Special Hockey games were followed by a very insipiring game between the USA Warriors vs. DC Fire Fighters. The USA Warriors are a team made up of wounded veterans which is an initiative of the USA Hockey Disabled Section. Both teams played at a high-paced level which ended in a 3-3 tie. In true Special Hockey fashion, everybody went home a winner.

Washington Ice Dogs A team will play their first game of the year against the USA Warriors on Saturday November 22nd, 8:00am at the Gardens Ice House.

The USA Warriors are a team comprised of wounded veterans who have served their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Ice Dogs players and coaches are very excited about the opportunity to play a fun and friendly game with these national heroes.

Max Maksimyadis, who plays goalie on the New York Raptors Special Hockey Team, will be the honorary guest goaltender for the USA Warriors. Max was selected as the recipient of the 2008 USA Disabled Hockey Athlete of the Year this past spring.

Immediately after the game, the USA Warriors will join Ice Dogs B team and developmental players for a practice. The USA Warriors players will serve as mentors helping Ice Dogs players learn the game.

The Knoxville Ice Bears recently attended a practice session of the Washington Ice Dogs to play the Ice Dogs A team and work and mentors with the B and C players. Both teams had a great time and it gave the Ice Dogs a chance to show off their skills.

The Washington Ice Dogs mourn the loss of a member of our team. ROSS JORDAN LAWRENCE passed away on Friday, August 1, 2008. The Ice Dogs family sends condolences to Ross’s parents Gary and Margy Lawrence and brother Jason Lawrence and other family members.

Ross Lawrence was biking to one of his favorite places, Rockville Ice rink, Ross was a regular visitor to Rockville Ice arena and The Gardens Ice House in Laurel, MD. Ross loved and lived for our sport of hockey. His passion for the game was an inspiration to us all. His passion for his team was so contagious and made us all proud to be a team. He taught us that being a part of a team is so important, and we must never forget that. The Washington Ice Dogs will be dedicating this upcoming season to Ross and we will remember him in many years to come. Ross loved the game so much he would have never stopped playing, so we will continue to keep him in our hearts each time we take to the ice for practices or games. Ross will always be with us in spirit and wonderful memories we have of him.

Though our small but caring community is a little smaller today, we will miss Ross on the ice and off. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ross's family, especially his parents Margy and Gary and his brother Jason.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to NAMI Montgomery County, 10730 Connecticut Ave., Kensington, MD 20895 or to The American Special Hockey Association, 1726 Leisure Way, Crofton, MD 21114.

My name is Sam Smith. You can call me Sammy, Samuel, or "Ice Man" or whatever you want. I am a motivational fitness trainer who helps people diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, autism, and other non-verbal learning disabilities. I've been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome myself, and I believe I can motivate people with similar diagnosis to stay in shape, build confidence and stay healthy as they grow as individuals.

Hockey is my passion. I love the game. I've played on the Washington Ice Dogs team for 8-9 years. The Ice Dogs is for players with developmental disabilities who are usually unable to play regular hockey. That would not be me. I play for the Ice Dogs for fun and to improve my talent when playing regular hockey.

The Geri Hatricks Hockey Club recently made a very generous donation in the amout of $1,000 to the Washington Ice Dogs.

The money was raised by the Geri Hatricks from proceeds from their annual hockey tournament for senior hockey players from the USA and Canada. The Washington Ice Dogs are very greatful for the generous donation and look forward to a long and lasting partnership with our friends from the Geri Hatricks Hockey Club.

The following link is to a video made by Alton Machen. The video is about Alton's experience volunteering with the Ice Dogs program. Marion, who plays for the Ice Dogs, was was given the tribute by his brother Alton who plays for the Howard Huskies and is currently the yougest mentor in the Special Hockey Washington program.

Alton entered the video in a national PTA art contest called "Reflections." There are six categories - he won for Outstanding Interpretation of Theme in the film/video category. This year's theme was "I Can Make a Difference". Alton's video won 1st place in Maryland in a PTA contest. His film, in which he proudly wears his Huskies jersey, has gone on to the national PTA competition.

Washington Ice Dogs player Andrew Rouff was featured on NBC WRC 4 TV News on Monday, Feb. 23. Please pass it on to anyone you might think would be interested in this very inspiring story. If you missed it, it's available online, you can view it here at the following link: